Crankcase drain valve with attachment for disposable oil bags

ABSTRACT

A crankcase drain valve adaptable for replacing the standard oil drain plug commonly used for draining used oil from the crankcases of most internal combustion engines comprising a threaded plug portion and an integral hexagon-shaped valve body portion having a drain hole extending axially through both portions. The drain valve is provided with a tapered bore extending laterally through the drain hole which is adapted to receive a tapered removable valve core. A retaining spring holds the core in place and prevents leakage of oil from the crankcase until a disposable oil bag is mounted on the drain valve to catch the used oil from the crankcase when the tapered valve core in the valve body is removed.

United States Patent Mantel], Jr.

1 CRANKCASE DRAIN VALVE WITH ATTACHMENT FOR DISPOSABLE OIL BAGS [76] Inventor: Cornelius Mantell, Jr., 5107 N. 28th Dr., Phoenix, Ariz. 85017 [22] Filed: Mar. 20, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 453,106

[52] US. Cl ..l84/1.5,141/313,150/D1G. 1, 251/144 [51] Int. Cl. Fl6n 31/00 [58] Field of Search l50/D1G. l, .5; 141/114, 141/313, 315, 317; 184/15; 251/144, 339

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1.554.589 9/1925 Long 184/15 2,095 696 10/1937 Hackel .1 184/15 2.574.295 11/1951 Schoon 141/317 2.806.489 9/1957 Armstrong 141/317 3.387,621 6/1968 Schaff l84/l.5

Apr. 1, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT A crankcase drain valve adaptable for replacing the standard oil drain plug commonly used for draining used oil from the crankcases of most internal combustion engines comprising a threaded plug portion and an integral hexagon-shaped valve body portion having a drain hole extending axially through both portions. The drain valve is provided with a tapered bore extending laterally through the drain hole which is adapted to receive a tapered removable valve core. A retaining spring holds the core in place and prevents leakage of oil from the crankcase until a disposable oil bag is mounted on the drain valve to catch the used oil from the crankcase when the tapered valve core in the valve body is removed.

5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures CRANKCASE DRAIN VALVE WITH ATTACHMENT FOR DISPOSABLE OIL BAGS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a crankcase drain valve for an internal combustion engine used for draining dirty contaminated oil from the crankcase into a disposable bag or container attaehably mounted on the drain valve. The drain valve may be opened and closed and the oil filled bag removed from the same without contact with the draining oil and permitting the disposal of the oil in the sealed bag in an expedient manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Heretofore the crankcase or oil pan of most internal combustion engines has been provided with a drain plug comprising a male threaded plug portion having an integral head portion. the diameter ofthc head portion being larger than the plug portion and usually formed in a hexagon or square-shaped configuration. A suitable sealing washer was usually positioned in contact with the smooth. flat surface of the oil pan in lcakproof relationship with the drain plug. This drain plug was fitted into and removed with a suitable wrench or other type tool every time it was necessary to drain oil from the crankcase of the engine.

This type of drain plug creates the following problems:

l. Draining oil from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine onto the ground or into a drain pan is messy and sometimes dangerous. especially if the oil is hot and contacts the hands. face or eyes of the servieeman.

2. The drain plug. if not carefully removed and reinserted in the oil pan of the engine by a competent me chanic, may have the threads on the plug or in the pan stripped. resulting in the necessity of replacing the damaged drain plug with a new one or repairing the damaged threads in the oil pan outlet at considerable waste of time and expense to again render it leakproof.

3. The drain plug may drop into the oil receptacle and oil may spill onto the surface of the floor over which it is being drained and then providing the neces sity of transporting the used oil to a place of disposal or reclamation where this valuable product may be reprocessed and again used for many different purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To eliminate the above disadvantages. an improved crankcase drain valve with disposable oil bag is provided.

It is. therefore. one object of this invention to provide an improved means for draining oil from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine into a disposable oil bag in a clean. expeditious manner without the necessity of removing the drain plug.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved crankcase drain valve and disposable oil bag combination which may be effectively utilized by a novice for draining. containing. and disposing ofthe oil from the crankcase of an automobile with ease and safety.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize this in \ention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an exploded perspective view showing the component parts of the crankcase drain valve in their unassembled relation.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 22 of FIG. 3 showing the assembled drain valve installed in the threaded outlet opening of the oil pan or crankcase shown in dash lines as a part of an internal combustion engine with some parts shown in elevation for clarity.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the assembled drain valve illustrating one method of securing its removable valve core in sealed relationship in the valve body by means of a flat spring.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the drain valve similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the spring locking feature of the structure if the retaining spring is improperly moved away from the drain valve.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the drain valve similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrating the proper procedure for removing the retaining spring from the drain valve.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper neck portion of a drain bag utilized in association with the drain valve of this invention to drain the oil from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine and showing its rolled over access opening and small reinforced lower opening which is utilized to retain the removable core of the valve when the oil is being drained into the bag.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view partly in section and elevation showing the drain bag securely attached to and surrounding the drain valve with the removable valve core still in scaling relationship in the valve body in readiness for the oil draining operation.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 7 showing the drain bag still securely attached to and surrounding the drain valve but with the valve core removed from its scaling relationship in the valve body and retained securely in the small opening in the drain bag while the oil is being drained.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the oil filled drain bag in the position it would assume when resting on a flat surface and one method of closing and sealing the same with a twister wire.

FIG. I0 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 2 with the llat spring in place.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring more particularly to the drawings by characters of reference. FIGS. I and 2 illustrate the components of the crankcase drain valve ll) of this invention in their unassembled and assembled relationship to the oil drain pan of an internal combustion engine.

The components of the crankcase drain valve I0 comprise a hexagon-shaped lower body portion II and an integral threaded plug portion 12 having an axially positioned bore 13 extending therethrougb. A tapered. removably mounted valve core 14 is provided for extending into a bore 15 arranged to extend into body portion II laterally of and through bore 13. A flat retaining spring I6 is adapted to retain valve core 14 in oil sealing relation in the body portion II of the valve when between draining periods and it is particularly designed to be easily installed or removed from associa tion with the removable valve core 14 and valve body II at any time after the valve body has been tightly screwed into the usual female threaded aperture 17 provided in the lower underside of the oil pan or crank case 18 of an internal combustion engine,

The hcxagoinshaped body portion 11 of valve l and its threaded plug portion 12 is integrally connected by a circular flange portion [9 that is somewhat less in diameter than the diameter of the hexagon-shaped body portion ll. Flange portion 19 is provided with a smoothly finished top surface which is adapted to contact and compress a suitable resilient washer 20 arranged between said surface and the flat smooth un dersurface of the crankcase 1S. Flange portion 19 is integrally connected to the top surface of the hexagon shaped body portion 11 by a circular neck portion 2] having a convex outer circumferential shape forming a smooth surfaced circular groove 22.

The integrally threaded plug portion 12. circular flange l9 neck portion 21, and the hexagon-shaped body portion ll of the valve body are all provided with the axially arranged bore 13 which extends through the entire valve body and communicates with the interior of oil pan [8. An outlet opening 23 of the bore communicates with the interior of a plastic bag or container 24 shown in FIGS 6. 7 and 8 which is preferably fabricated of a flexible material when the same is attached in oil scaled relationship to the circular groove 22 of drain valve [0.

As shown in FIGS. I and 2 of the drawing, the tapered, removable valve core 14 is provided at its smallest end with a cyclindrically shaped extension 26 which is integral with the tapered body portion 27 ofthe valve core This extension is adapted to project through and out from an aperture 28 formed in one of the flat sides ofthc hexagon body portion 1 I of valve body 10 in horizontal alignment with the centerline of the tapered bore into which the tapered valve core 14 extends so as to present its flat. blunt end 29 outside the hem gon portion of the valve body In this position it can be lightly tapped or pushed inwardly of the valve body to extricate the tapered valve core M from the tapered bore 15 if necessary and to assist in maintaining the horiyontal alignment of the same in the tapered bore when inserted therein to assure total blockage of bore 13 in the valve body to prevent leakage of oil therethrough.

lt should be noted at this point in the description that the diameter of the tapered valve core 14 throughout its zone of intersection with bore 13 must be considerably larger than the diameter of said vertical bore in order to completely block and seal the same from the passage of oil therefrom when the valve core is inserted tightly in the tapered bore 15 and maintained therein by the flat retaining spring 16.

The tapered body 27 of the valve core 14 is of sufficient length to allow its larger diameter end to extend a short distance beyond the face 30' of the flat surface of the hexagon-shaped body portion II and the opening of the tapered bore 15 in which the valve core is inserted. This large diameter end is provided with a flat, smooth circular face 30 which is adapted to be contacted by the inner vertical face or surface 3! of the flat sided retaining spring 16 (as shown in FIG. 2) to retain the tapered removable valve core 14 in sealing relationship with the central vertical bore 13 in the valve body 10 when so desired.

The large diameter end of the tapered body 27 of the valve core is provided with a centrally located integral. cyclindrical-shaped extension 32 having a knurled, finger-gripping circumferential surface 33 around its pe- 5 riphery. The diameter of extension 32 is somewhat larger than the diameter of a reinforced aperture 34 in the plastic bag or container 24. The cylindrical extension 32 is also provided with a circular groove or relief portion 35 between the rear face ofthe knurled portion 33 and the flat, smooth circular face 30 of the tapered valve body 27. The diameter of the circular groove 35 is also somewhat larger than that of the reinforced aperture 34 in the plastic bag 24 in which it is retained.

All six corners of the hexagonshaped body portion 1] of the drain valve are turned or otherwise formed to provide a plurality of vertical, arcuate-surfaced notches or depressions 36. These depressions are formed to retain legs 37 of retaining spring 16 and prevent them from sliding sideways on the valve body. These legs are formed integral with the flat vertical base or connecting portion 38 of retaining spring 16, which portion is provided with a central aperture 39. the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the outwardly projecting cyclindrical extension 32 formed on the projecting end of the tapered valve body 27. The size of aperture 39 allows retaining spring 16 to clear the cylindrical extension 32 when its inwardly biased pair of legs 37 are manually forced over the arcuate-shapcd faces of the notches or depressions 36 in the corners of the hexagon-shaped body portion 11. This type of fit causes the vertical face or surface 31 of the base por tion 38 of the spring to contact the vertical circular face 30 at the large diameter end of the tapered body portion 27 of the valve core 14 to lock and hold the same in its inserted oil sealing relationship with the central vertical bore 13 of the valve body 10.

FIGS, 2 and 3 of the drawings show the flat retaining spring 16 in its relative relationship with the hexagon body portion I] and the tapered removable valve core 14 of the drain valve when retaining the same in its closed oil sealing position in the valve body. FIGS 4 and 5 illustrate the one and only successful method which must be used to remove the spring from over the cylindrical extension 32 of the tapered valve core l4 and from its holding contact with the tlat surfaces of the hexagon body portion It when removing the same for draining the oil from the oil pan or crankcase 18. This simple procedure can only be accomplished by applying equal finger pressure simultaneously and in the same direction to the rolled ends 37' of the pair of inwardty biased legs or extensions 37 of the spring as iiidicated by the pair of arrows in H08 5. [f such equal simultaneous pressure is not applied as described, the resulting effect would he to cause a binding of the edge of aperture 39 in the base connecting portion 38 of spring 16 in the circular groove 35 of the extension 32 of the valve core as indicated by the single arrow and arrangement of the spring in FIG. 4, thus preventing easy removal of spring It) as described above.

After spring 16 has been carefully removed and laid aside from its valve core retaining position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the crankcase drain valve 10 of this invcntion is made ready for draining oil from the cranlo case of the internal combustion engine as follows;

The flexible drain bag 24. preferably fabricated of a plastic material such as vinyl and formed to provide a large capacity body portion 24' and a comparatively small diameter, long neck portion 24" with the reinforced but stretchable aperture 34 thercbetween. is rolled outwardly from the neck opening 40 toward the body portion 24' or formed with a top rolled edge 41 as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. This prevents the bag from slipping past the twist wire in groove 22 when containing the weight of the oil.

The long neck portion 24 ofthe empty drain bag 24 is stretched and pushed up over the assembled crankcase drain valve 10 minus the valve core retaining spring l6 until its rolled top edge 4] and its outlet opening 40 completely surrounds the circular flange 19 of the valve body 10 and its circular groove 22 as well as the projecting extensions 26 and 32 of the still inserted tapered valve core 14. Alignment of the reinforced aperture 34 and the projecting end 32 of the valve core l4 must he done before twist wire 42 is applied The empty drain bag is then lifted upwardly until the reinforced hole or aperture 34 in its side is brought into alignment with the knurled head or extension 32 of the tapered valve core 14 over which it is stretched and forced until it settles in the circular groove or relief portion of the same. as shown in PK]. 7 ofthe drawing. At this time a twist wire 42 is tightly secured around the upper end of the bags neck portion 24", thus drawing the same into contact with the circular groove 22 in the valve body in leakproof relationship therewith in order to hold the bag in place.

After the above described functions have been aecomplshcd the knurled head portion 33 of the extension 32 oftlte valve core 14 is gripped in the fingers and pulled out of the tapered bore of the valve body. That portion of the bag in which it is still retained by means of the small aperture 34 in the bag is allowed to drop down to assume substantially the position illustrated in Fl(i. 8. The oil now flows from the opening in crankcase l8 through the open bore 13 of the valve body into the low er confines of the bag which stretches the same and causes it to assume substantially the shape of a long-necked cylindrical bottle or vasev The bag gradually expands as it hangs from the drain valve or rests on a supporting surface or ground 43.

When the oil front the crankcase has been completely drained into the plastic bag 24. the tapered removable valve core 14, which is still retained in aperturc 34 in the bag may again be gripped in the fingers by the knurled head portion 33 of the extension 32 of the tapered valve core 14 and lifted up by stretching that portion of the bag in which it is retained and then re-insertcd in the tapered bore [5 of the valve body to again block and seal bore 13 from further passage ofoil therethrough.

When this function has been accomplished. the oil filled bag now resting on the floor or ground surface 43 may be entirely removed from its attachment with the again assembled drain valve by stretching aperture 34 in the bag over the knurled head of the extension 32 of the inserted valve core 14 to remove that portion ofthe bag from the same and then by holding the neck portion 24 of the bag in one hand and untwisting the wire 42 from its described position of retention as shown in N05. 7 and 8. causing the neck portion of the bag to be pulled down and out of contact with any part of the drain \al\e. The long neck portion 24" of the bag is turned oter or doubled back on itself and again tightly secured by wire 42 at a point in the neck which is directly belon the aperture 34 as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawing, ready for clean. neat and efficient disposal of the bag and the spent oil contained therein at any convenient place of disposal.

After the oil filled bag 24 is made ready for disposal as described above. the previously removed flat retaining spring l6 may be easily replaced in its valve core retaining position by applying pressure against the circular face 30 at the large diameter end of the tapered body portion 27 of the same over the projecting extension 32 and with its pair of inwardly biased legs or extensions 37 secured from moving sideways in the notches or depressions 36 formed in the corners of the lower hexagon-shaped body portion 11.

it should be noted and understood that should the tapered body portion 27 of the valve core 14 under pressure from the retaining spring [6 be insufficient to completely block and prevent the escape of some oil from the vertical central bore 13 in the valve body around the contacting surfaces of the tapered bore l5 and the mating valve core body 27. properly sized 0- rings may be secured in circular grooves (not shown) on each side of the tapered body portion 27 which is intersected by the vertical center bore [3 of the valve body so as to contact the tapered bore 15 in positive oil sealing relationship with the tapered body portion 27 of the valve core 14.

Further, to aid in more rapid draining the crankcase of the automobile a vent hole 38 may be placed in the drain bag to vent to atmosphere any pressure build-up in the bag.

Although but one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A drain plug assembly for use on an automotive crankcase comprising in combination:

a plug thrcadedly receivable in a threaded opening in the bottom of a crankcase and provided with a drain bore extending axially therethrough said plug being provided with a polygonal shaped outer surface along a first part of its length for en gagement by a tool for threading it into the threaded opening of the crankcase and a cylindrically shaped portion along a second part of its length,

said first part of said plug being provided with a valve bore extending laterally through said drain plug and intersecting said drain bore.

a valve core for rcmovably positioning longitudinally thereofinto said valve bore with an interference fit to seal said drain bore.

spring means for detachably clamping around at least a part of the outer periphery of said first part of said plug for holding said valve core in said valve bore,

a groove formed in the outer surface of said second part of said plug for receiving the neck of a drain bag therein.

the large diameter end of said valve core being provicled with a necked-down portion.

said spring means comprising a flat, resilient spring bent into a polygonal shape conforming to the polygonal shape ofsaid first part ofsaid plug for interference fit therewith,

said spring being provided with an aperture of a size wherein:

large enough to fit over the neeked down end of said bag is provided with a vent hole in its neck porsaid valve core but smaller than the large diameter tion. end of said valve core. whereby when the aperture 3. The drain plug assembly set forth in claim I of said spring receives the necked-down end of said wherein: valve core and said spring is clamped around said said bag is formed of a plastic material. polygonal surface of said plug, said valve core is 4. The drain plug assembly set forth in claim I in furt'irmly held in place in said valve bore, and ther combination with: an oil impervious, resilient bag having a neck portion a twist wire for twisting around the neck of said bag for fitting within said groove for attachment 10 Within said groove for firmly attaching said bag to thereto upon removal of said spring from around said plug. said plug, 5. The drain plug assembly set forth in claim 4 said bag being provided with an aperture in its neck wherein:

portion for fitting over the necked-down portion of the open end of said neck portion of said bag is prosaid valve core in an interference fit. vided with an edge rolled over on itself to keep said valve core being suspended by said bag within its from being pulled from under said twist wire when interior when said valve core is removed from said said twist wire is twisted around the neck of said valve bore for draining oil from the crankcase. bag within said groove. 2. The drain plug assembly set forth in claim I 

1. A drain plug assembly for use on an automotive crankcase comprising in combination: a plug threadedly receivable in a threaded opening in the bottom of a crankcase and provided with a drain bore extending axially therethrough, said plug being provided with a polygonal shaped outer surface along a first part of its length for engagement by a tool for threading it into the threaded opening of the crankcase and a cylindrically shaped portion along a second part of its length, said first part of said plug being provided with a valve bore extending laterally through said drain plug and intersecting said drain bore, a valve core for removably positioning longitudinally thereof into said valve bore with an interference fit to seal said drain bore, spring means for detachably clamping around at least a part of the outer periphery of said first part of said plug for holding said valve core in said valve bore, a groove formed in the outer surface of said second part of said plug for receiving the neck of a drain bag therein, the large diameter end of said valve core being provided with a necked-down portion, said spring means comprising a flat, resilient spring bent into a polygonal shape conforming to the polygonal shape of said first part of said plug for interference fit therewith, said spring being provided with an aperture of a size large enough to fit over the necked-down end of said valve core but smaller than the large diameter end of said valve core, whereby when the aperture of said spring receives the necked-down end of said valve core and said spring is clamped around said polygonal surface of said plug, said valve core is firmly held in place in said valve bore, and an oil impervious, resilient bag having a neck portion for fitting within said groove for attachment thereto upon removal of said spring from around said plug, said bag being provided with an aperture in its neck portion for fitting over the necked-down portion of said valve core in an interference fit, said valve core being suspended by said bag within its interior when said valve core is removed from said valve bore for draining oil from the crankcase.
 2. The drain plug assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein: said bag is provided with a vent hole in its neck portion.
 3. The drain plug assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein: said bag is formed of a plastic material.
 4. The drain plug assembly set forth in claim 1 in further combination with: a twist wire for twisting around the neck of said bag within said groove for firmly attaching said bag to said plug.
 5. The drain plug assembly set forth in claim 4 wherein: the open end of said neck portion of said bag is provided with an edge rolled over on itself to keep from being pulled from under said twist wire when said twist wire is twisted around the neck of said bag within said groove. 